Research & reports
Peer-reviewed research and reports on community urban agriculture, food education, composting, welfare and more.
Theme
Critical findings
170 results(2 / 7)
On the irrelevance of (peat-free) substrates - Qualitative insights into the social practices of hobby gardeners in Germany
2024Holger Braun, Dorothee Apfel, Benedikt Rilling, Carsten Herbes · Cleaner and Responsible Consumption · Germany
A study with 44 hobby gardeners in Germany found that substrates are not a major part of gardeners' social interactions, and price is the dominant purchase criterion for substrates, with sustainability not playing an important role. Although basic knowledge about peat is widespread, purchasing substrates is a utility-driven process with mostly passive information behavior.
Limited or null effectCommunityClimate changeDIYOrganic cycleCultivo de hortalizas de ciclos cortos en huertos para el consumo y comercialización de alumnos de tercero de bachillerato
2024Reina Bazán Alarcón, Edgar Leonidas Cottallat Villao, Segress García-Hevia · Código Científico Revista de Investigación · Ecuador
This mixed-methods study in Ecuador aimed to develop a methodology for implementing school gardens at Unidad Educativa Misael Olaya, focusing on short-cycle vegetable cultivation for consumption and potential commercialization by high school students. Questionnaires and interviews with students and teachers revealed that while students had basic knowledge of vegetable cultivation, there was a need to strengthen practical activities and experimental learning.
Limited or null effectFood educationWelfareCommunityEconomicsPublic Food Trees’ Usage and Perception, and Their Potential for Participatory Edible Cities: A Case Study in Birjand, Iran
2024Juliette Colinas, Francesca Ugolini, Mohammad Reza Khalilnezhad · Sustainability · Iran (Birjand)
In Birjand, Iran, a qualitative approach explored the usage and perception of public fruit trees and attitudes towards public usage and participation in two urban green spaces (Tohid Park and Akbarieh Garden). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve visitors, four administrators, and eight workers. Almost all visitors had a high interest in picking fruit, but usage in these green spaces was low, partly due to social norms.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood educationPolicyAssessing the Social Impact and Community Engagement of the Micro Urban Food Forest Campaign at Masagi Koffee : A Mixed-Methods Study
2024Rafi Pratama, Wawan Dhewanto · International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies · Indonesia (Bandung)
This mixed-methods study assessed the effectiveness of the Micro Urban Food Forest Campaign at Masagi Koffee, Bandung, Indonesia, in enhancing environmental sustainability and community involvement. While the initiative moderately succeeded in raising environmental awareness among participants, it faced problems in achieving consistent community participation. Logistic regression analysis identified awareness and knowledge as significant predictors of sustainability practice, indicating a need for targeted strategies to foster behavioral change.
Limited or null effectCommunityBiodiversityFood educationA study on prevalence of hand discomfort among the gardeners
2024Divya Martolia, Ritu Gupta, Naresh Kumar Chhuneja · Journal of Community Mobilization and Sustainable Development · India (Ludhiana)
In Ludhiana city, India, a study investigated the prevalence of hand discomfort among 150 male gardeners from educational institutions, community gardens, and nurseries. Findings revealed that the comfort level for most respondents using gardening hand tools ranged from moderate to low, with increased pain and discomfort reported after using certain tools. The Cornell Hand Discomfort questionnaire showed that the majority experienced slight to moderate pain and discomfort in different hand regions, which interfered with their work performance.
Limited or null effectHealthCommunityEvaluation of Urban Farming System Sustainability in Central Province of Jakarta, Indonesia
2024Rini Fitri, Achmad Yozar Perkasa, Hinijati Widjaja, Olivia Seanders, Reza Fauzı · Tekirdağ Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi · Indonesia (Jakarta)
This research evaluated the sustainability of urban farming development in Petamburan, Central Jakarta, using a descriptive qualitative methodology and Multi Dimension Scaling (MDS) approach. While urban residents generally have knowledge and support for urban agriculture, the analysis of four dimensions (ecological, economic, social, technological) indicated that urban farming in Petamburan is not sustainable. The sustainability index was very low, categorized as destructive and unsustainable across ecological (14.55%), economic (13.85%), social (13.94%), and technological (13.43%) dimensions.
Limited or null effectUrban–rural linkageCommunityEconomicsClimate changeParticipatory Development Communication Strategy of an Urban Farming Program in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
2024Shinta Prastyanti, Retno Wulandari, Adhi Iman Sulaiman · Palabra Clave · Indonesia (Yogyakarta)
This study in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, examined participatory development communication strategies in urban farming programs using observations, interviews, and focus group discussions. Findings indicate that while the communication strategy embodies community empowerment, the initiative has not been adopted by all community members. Additionally, harvests are limited to daily needs and have not significantly improved group members’ income.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justicePolicyTransdisciplinary teaching and learning in a master’s program in urban agriculture
2024Sigrid Gjøtterud, Rasa Holen, Trine Hvoslef-Eide · International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education · Global
This action research study explored transdisciplinary teaching and learning in an urban agriculture master's program using qualitative methods. Students demonstrated high inter- and intrapersonal competencies and cross-disciplinary idea development. However, a critical finding was that the potential for collaboration with external partners (case owners) was not fully exploited and requires further development.
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityGuerrilla Gardening in a Time of Ecological and Social Crisis: An Exploratory Endeavor to Feel Connected with a Lost Piece of Forest
2024Margaretha Häggström, Mårten Häggström · The Trumpeter · Sweden
This four-year exploratory study in a clearcut in western Sweden investigated the feasibility of cultivating crops in a nutrient-poor, shadowless environment to support biodiversity. The study found that while it was possible to grow potatoes, peas, and some summer flowers without special efforts, it was difficult to grow other vegetables and root vegetables. The project suggests that planting activities in clearcuts may impact people's sense of human-nature identity and respect for the natural environment.
Limited or null effectDIYBiodiversityFood educationCommunityLa agricultura urbana como un modelo de transiciones justas
2024Jaume Vilasís Pamos, Pablo Aránguiz, Stefhania Lozano, Guillermo Palau Salvador · Revista Lecciones Vitales · Spain (Valencia)
This study examines urban agriculture initiatives in Valencia, Spain, which adopt an agroecological approach to promote sustainable practices like composting. While these collective strategies aim for sustainable agricultural models and contribute to food sovereignty, they face significant challenges, particularly regarding access to water. The initiatives also engage in political action and promote equitable organizational models.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeCommunityCompostPolicyMeningkatkan Semangat Komunitas Wanita Tani Melalui Revitalisasi Kebun Bibit Desa Karangmulyo
2024Alif Khair An Nassaj, Muhammad Luqman Hakim, Hanna Zharifa Marmu’asyifa, Liya Tsanyyatul Khishol, Andre Alfiansyah, Muhammad Afiq · Solusi Bersama · Indonesia
In Karangmulyo Village, Indonesia, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in the quality and productivity of community gardens and parks. A village nursery revitalization program aimed to overcome these negative impacts, restore land function, and boost the morale of women farmer communities through infrastructure improvements, adaptive crop planting, sustainable agricultural techniques, and community involvement. However, this abstract does not report on the specific effects of this program, such as the improvement of overall community welfare or the ensured sustainability of the village environment.
Limited or null effectCommunityWelfareClimate changeGrowing together or growing apart? A study of food donation community garden programming during the COVID-19 pandemic
2024Moses Wanyakha, Nancy Grudens‐Schuck, Ann M. Oberhauser · Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development · United States (Iowa)
This study investigated resilience and vulnerabilities in fresh produce donation partnership programs to food pantries in Iowa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings revealed a significant decrease in labor hours during the pandemic years of 2020–2021, attributed to government policies and social distancing requirements. Volunteer shortages, donation inconsistency, and exclusionary community practices appeared to be inherent vulnerabilities of volunteer-based food donation programs.
Limited or null effectCommunityWelfareFood lossPolicyViews of Teachers and Headteachers about Outdoor Learning in Pre-School Education Institutions in Turkey and England
2023Ayşe Öztürk Samur, Paulette Luff · İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi · Turkey; United Kingdom
This phenomenological study investigated the views and experiences of 9 headteachers and 9 teachers from 6 preschool institutions in Turkey and England regarding outdoor learning. It found that in Turkey, school gardens, equipment, and time spent outside are insufficient compared to England. While family participation in outdoor learning is more common in Turkey, teachers and headteachers there experience greater family pressure concerning child safety, illness, and dirty clothes, and feel anxious due to a lack of classroom assistance. Both countries showed insufficient inclusion of outdoor learning in vocational and in-service training.
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityBetween food fulfillment and income: Can urban agriculture contribute to both?
2023Oekan S. Abdoellah, Yusep Suparman, Kinanti Indah Safitri, Akhmad Zainal Mubarak, Mira Milani, Margareth, L. T. Abhinav Surya · Geography and sustainability · Indonesia (Bandung)
A study in Bandung, Indonesia, surveyed 321 households to assess urban agriculture's contribution to household food fulfillment and income. The findings showed an insignificant 9% contribution to food fulfillment and a 41.5% contribution to income. This limited impact was attributed to metropolitan complexities, including restricted land access and increasing commercialization.
Limited or null effectFood sovereignty & justiceEconomicsPolicyCommunityEducação para alimentação saudável: experiências com hortas escolares na educação básica
2023Alvorí Ahlert, Tatiane Fátima Nandi · REVISTA DE EDUCACIÓN AMBIENTAL Y SOSTENIBILIDAD · Brazil (Paraná)
A qualitative and quantitative study in schools bordering Lake Itaipu in western Paraná, Brazil, verified the use of school gardens as an environmental education tool. The research applied questionnaires to public elementary, primary, and special education teachers in the region. Findings showed that most teachers favored using school gardens but found it difficult to teach students about their importance due to a lack of technical knowledge on the subject.
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityHealthEffect of an Integrated School Garden and Home Garden Intervention on Anemia Among School-Aged Children in Nepal: Evidence From a Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
2023Ghassan Baliki, Dorothee Weiffen, Pepijn Schreinemachers, Akina Shrestha, Rachana Manandhar Shrestha, Monika Schreiner, Tilman Brück · Food and Nutrition Bulletin · Nepal
A cluster randomized controlled trial in rural Nepal (n=680 school children aged 9-13 across 30 schools) investigated whether an integrated school and home garden intervention improved hemoglobin levels and reduced anemia. The intervention did not lead to a direct significant reduction in anemia, as nutritional improvements were not strong enough to impact hemoglobin levels. However, the program indirectly improved hemoglobin levels for children under 12 by increasing good food and hygiene practices at home, particularly for girls, young children, and those with literate caregivers.
Limited or null effectFood educationHealthCommunityCITIZENS' ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION TOWARD ROOFTOP GARDENING IN CITY AREA
2023Sadika Parvin, Md. Shahidul Islam · Khulna University Studies · Bangladesh
This descriptive quantitative study assessed the social acceptance of rooftop gardens among city dwellers in Bangladesh, surveying 475 participants online. While approximately three-quarters of respondents showed positive attitudes towards rooftop gardening, about one-third had negative attitudes, indicating unwillingness, with similar trends observed for behavioral perceptions. The study revealed that one-third of respondents still held negative attitudes and just over one-third had negative behavioral perceptions towards rooftop gardening.
Limited or null effectCommunityClimate changeUrban–rural linkageCash for assets during acute food insecurity: an observational study in South Sudan
2023Shannon Doocy, Emily Lyles, Robert Kenyi Morjan, Kayla Pfieffer-Mundt, Courtland Robinson, Kevin Savage · Agriculture & Food Security · South Sudan
A prospective cohort study in South Sudan (2019–2021) examined the impact of cash assistance for work in community gardens on food security among 1213 cash-receiving, 582 non-intervention, and 300 later cash-receiving households. The study found no significant differences in changes over time in household hunger, coping strategies, or meal frequency between participants and the comparison group. Cash transfers did not appear to have lasting benefits on food security and livelihoods coping strategy use.
Limited or null effectWelfareCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceProspecção Científica e Tecnológica sobre o Uso de Softwares para a Oferta e a Comercialização em Hortas Comunitárias
2023Jamille Anderson Luiz da Silva, Paula Tereza de Souza e Silva · Cadernos de Prospecção · Global
This study aimed to identify mobile applications developed or used for offering and trading food products in community gardens, through scientific and technological prospecting. Searches were conducted across multiple databases using keywords like "Aplicativo," "App," "Software," "Horta," and "Agricultura urbana." The results showed few applications associated with the theme, with most intended for specific localities and few available for widespread use, indicating a limited effect of existing tools.
Limited or null effectDigital agricultureCommunityEconomicsIMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM URBAN FARMING PADA KELOMPOK TANI ELOK MEKAR SARI KOTA SURABAYA
2023Shinta Diah Wulandari, Tukiman Tukiman · Jurnal Mediasosian Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Administrasi Negara · Indonesia (Surabaya)
The implementation of an urban farming program at the Elok Mekar Sari farmer group in Semolowaru Village, Surabaya City, Indonesia, was investigated using descriptive qualitative research and the van Meter van Horn model. Policy objectives and standards were achieved, and inter-organizational communication was optimally implemented. However, human resources and social environment aspects were not optimal, and implementers' understanding of the urban farming policy's objectives was found to be lacking.
Limited or null effectCommunityPolicyEconomicsFarmers’ Independence Level in the Urban Area of Subak Sembung Denpasar City, Bali Province, Indonesia
2023Dwi Putra Darmawan, Gede Mekse Korri Arisena, A.A.A. Wulandira Sawitri Djelantik, Anak Agung Keswari Krisnandika, Ni Ketut Sri Utari, Nyoman Tri Lukpitasari Korri · Journal of Agricultural Sciences – Sri Lanka · Indonesia (Denpasar City)
This study observed the independence of 66 urban farmers in Subak Sembung, Denpasar City, Indonesia, using observation and interviews. Findings revealed that the majority of farmers had a high level of independence in cultivation tool preparation, crop production, capital, capital providers, and type of cultivated commodity. However, a lack of independence was identified in post-harvest handling, management, self-development, collaborating to provide agricultural services, and technology adoption.
Limited or null effectCommunityEconomicsPolicyProductivity and Efficiency of Community Gardens: Case Studies from the UK
2023Silvio Caputo, Victoria Schoen, Chris Blythe · Land · United Kingdom (London)
Data was collected from seven community gardens and one community farm in London, UK, during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons using a citizen science approach, investigating crop yield, resource inputs, and social benefits. Results showed very mixed levels of crop and social productivity depending on organizational structure and agenda, with no clear pattern emerging. This study suggests that citywide productivity evaluations based on small data samples may not be reliable.
Limited or null effectCommunityEconomicsHealthClimate changeStrengths and Weaknesses of Non-chemical Weed Management Strategies in Small-scale Vegetable Production
2023Mahbuba Ferdous · Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research · Australia (Armidale)
This case study investigated non-chemical weed management strategies in a small-scale vegetable garden in Armidale, Australia, through observation and an in-depth, unstructured interview with the garden's convener. Growers primarily used mechanical and cultural methods, including mulching, hand weeding, tillage, and grazing, to manage weed infestation. While mulching with wood chips and hand weeding were considered more effective in minimizing weed competition during critical crop development periods, they could not reach a satisfactory level. Further improvements by integrating several approaches simultaneously are needed for more effective and economical weed control.
Limited or null effectCommunityOrganic cycleDIYAssessing the Impact of Community Gardens in Mitigating Household Food Insecurity and Addressing Climate Change Challenges: A Case Study of Ward 18, Umdoni Municipality, South Africa
2023Merishca Naicker, Denver Naidoo, Mjabuliseni Simon Cloapas Ngidi · African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies · South Africa
This mixed-methods study surveyed 120 community garden participants in Ward 18, Umdoni Municipality, South Africa, to assess the impact of community gardens on household food security. The survey found that 58.3% of participants did not receive sufficient food from the gardens, and only 15.8% achieved food security, with 40% experiencing moderate food insecurity. Despite their establishment, community gardens appeared ineffective in substantially improving household food security, with challenges including climate change impacts.
Limited or null effectCommunityFood sovereignty & justiceClimate changeEconomicsPELATIHAN DAN PENDAMPINGAN BUDIDAYA SAYURAN HIDROPONIK BAGI IBU-IBU PKK RT 02/RW 01 KELURAHAN TENGGILIS MEJOYO KOTA SURABAYA
2023Amelia Nirmalawaty, Tiurma Wiliana Susanti Panjaitan, Dwi Agustiyah Rosida · Abdi Massa. · Indonesia (Surabaya)
Training and assistance for hydroponic vegetable cultivation were provided to PKK women in RT 02/RW 01, Tenggilis Mejoyo Village, Surabaya City. Previous NFT hydroponic training had suboptimal implementation due to limited yard space and insufficient understanding of hydroponic cultivation, particularly in plant nursery and nutrient solution concentration measurement. The current training and assistance successfully improved the participants' knowledge and skills, enabling optimal utilization of aid from the Food Security and Agriculture Office and maximizing the use of limited land for community nutritional needs.
Limited or null effectFood educationCommunityDIY